Chong Kok Low – The Beginning of Chinese Cuisine in the Netherlands

It was the early 20th century. In the bustling port city of Rotterdam, where ships from all corners of the world docked, a small group of Chinese migrants settled. Most of them worked as stokers on ships or in the harbor—a tough and demanding job. But among them was a family with a different idea—one that would forever change the food culture in the Netherlands.

The Birth of a Legendary Restaurant

In 1920, Chong Kok Low, the first Chinese restaurant in the Netherlands, opened its doors. The establishment was located in Rotterdam, at a time when Chinese food was completely unknown to the average Dutch person. The founder, my grandmother’s cousin Wah Yuen, had the vision of creating a place where Chinese workers could feel at home, enjoying rice, noodles, and the flavors of their homeland.

At first, most of the customers were Chinese sailors and laborers, but over time, curious Dutch locals began to step inside. While some were hesitant at first, the exotic flavors of bami, nasi, and tjap tjoy soon won them over. This restaurant laid the foundation for what would later become a thriving Chinese food culture in the Netherlands.

A Family Legacy and Political Ties

Over the years, Chong Kok Low became a family business. My grandmother’s brothers became co-owners, and later, the son of her cousin took over the restaurant. For decades, it remained a gathering place for the Chinese community in the Netherlands. It was not just a place to eat, but also a space to share stories, find work, and build connections in a country that often still felt unfamiliar.

Interestingly, during this period, my family had come to the Netherlands from China while the Republic of China (ROC) was still governing the mainland. Like many Chinese immigrants of that time, they supported the ROC government, as it represented a modernizing China before the Chinese Civil War. Many overseas Chinese communities—including those in the Netherlands—sent money and aid back to China to support their homeland. For my family, running a restaurant was not just about survival; it was also a way to maintain a connection to their roots while helping fellow Chinese immigrants.

A Lasting Legacy

Although the restaurant eventually closed, the legacy of Chong Kok Low lives on in the countless Chinese restaurants that have spread across the Netherlands. The restaurant paved the way for a multicultural dining experience and helped make Chinese cuisine mainstream in Dutch society. It symbolized the resilience and perseverance of migrants, who, through hard work and determination, found their place in a new land.

For me, Chong Kok Low is not just a historical fact but also a part of my family history. It is a story of entrepreneurship, perseverance, and the bridge between two worlds—China and the Netherlands.